Associate Chief of Staff - Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Leadership and Administration

Develops, implements, and evaluates policies and procedures for the Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Service.
Directs and oversees operational activities to ensure continuous quality improvement, compliance with regulatory standards, and efficient use of resources.
Manages budget planning and financial performance, ensuring optimal utilization of departmental resources.
Supervises, mentors, and evaluates staff, fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Affirms compliance with VA policies, CAP, CLIA, and other regulatory requirements.
Represents the department in executive and administrative meetings, contributing to hospital-wide initiatives and policies.

Clinical Services

Provides expert diagnostic services, including the interpretation of surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, and clinical laboratory tests.
Ensures the availability of high-quality diagnostic services, including histology, clinical chemistry, microbiology, immunology, transfusion medicine, and point-of-care testing.
Consults with medical staff on the interpretation and clinical relevance of laboratory findings.
Ensures the implementation of standardized testing protocols and procedures.

Research Service

Collaborates closely with Research Service to promote VA research activities to establish an efficient process whereby research investigators and programs can partner with and track various services within the laboratory and pathology service.
Provides researchers and the Research Service with appropriate expertise and partnership on available laboratory and pathology service resources as well as timely review of new and ongoing research projects for regulatory approval.
Engages in and contributes to multidisciplinary research team meetings, collaborative planning efforts and relevant research committees.
Promotes a culture of teamwork and shared goals in VA research.

Quality Assurance and Improvement

Develops and oversees a robust quality assurance program, ensuring adherence to best practices and continuous improvement.
Maintains performance metrics, patient outcomes, and satisfaction to identify areas for improvement.
Leads root cause analyses and corrective action plans when quality issues arise.
Ensures compliance with safety and infection control policies and practices.

Education and Training

Provides leadership in educational programs for residents, fellows, medical students, and laboratory staff.
Develops continuing education and professional development programs to ensure staff remain current with advances in pathology and laboratory medicine.
Participates in academic activities, including clinical research, publications, and presentations.

Interdepartmental Collaboration

Coordinates with other clinical and administrative departments to optimize patient care and services.
Engages in multidisciplinary team meetings and collaborative planning efforts.
Advise and support clinicians on the appropriate use of laboratory and pathology services.
Promotes a culture of teamwork and shared goals across all areas of the organization.

Skills and Abilities

Strong leadership and administrative skills.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
Ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively.
Commitment to providing high-quality patient care and advancing the mission of the VA.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday.
Selectee will work four ten hour days at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, and the fifth work day at the University of Pennsylvania.

Pay

Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases
Paid Time Off: 50-55 days of paid time off per year (26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year and possible 5 day paid absence for CME)
Retrovative: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement)

Benefits

Licensure: 1 full and unrestricted license from any US State or territory
CME: Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement (must be full-time with board certification)
Malpractice: Free liability protection with tail coverage provided
Contract: No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you must meet the basic requirements as well as any additional requirements (if applicable) listed in the job announcement. Applicants pending the completion of training or license requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Currently employed physician(s) in VA who met the requirements for appointment under the previous qualification standard at the time of their initial appointment are deemed to have met the basic requirements of the occupation.

Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or in the District of Columbia.
Residency Training: Physicians must have completed residency training, approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs in an accredited core specialty training program leading to eligibility for board certification.

Additional Information

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies.